Denise Cusack

Biography and Expertise of Denise Cusack

Denise Cusack dedicates her work to bridging traditional healing practices with modern humanitarian aid. As the Executive Director of Herbalists Without Borders (HWB), she leads global initiatives that provide accessible and holistic healthcare to underserved communities, particularly those affected by crisis and disaster. Since 2017, her role as the Lead Disaster Relief Support Coordinator has involved helping communities worldwide prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies using integrative approaches.

Her expertise directly embodies several key thematic axes of the congress. Her development of community clinic models and collaboration with practitioners worldwide is a clear example of the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Furthermore, her international teaching on trauma-informed care and aromatherapy for crisis response contributes to “TCIM Education and Training” by building essential competencies. The work of Denise Cusack in cultivating medicinal plants at a botanical sanctuary also aligns with the “Planetary Health, One Health, and Well-being Societies” axis, demonstrating a commitment to ecological stewardship and conservation.

Through her leadership, HWB has established a robust U.S. Donation Network, which manages the intake and distribution of supplies and wellness kits across North America. This logistical framework is vital for delivering timely support and showcases a sustainable model for mutual aid. Therefore, her contributions provide a valuable blueprint for implementing evidence-informed, community-based public health solutions, reflecting the principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Professional Roles and Responsibilities

The professional career of Denise Cusack is characterized by leadership in non-profit management, humanitarian aid, and community-based healthcare. Her roles are multifaceted, combining strategic direction with hands-on coordination of disaster relief and educational outreach. This synthesis of skills allows her to effectively manage complex global operations while remaining grounded in the principles of accessible, integrative care.

Her current positions reflect a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and building resilient health systems from the ground up. These roles place her at the intersection of traditional healing, modern healthcare, and global aid efforts.

• Executive Director, Herbalists Without Borders (HWB): Leads the organization’s overall strategy, overseeing all programs and initiatives.
• Program Director and Global Disaster Response Lead, HWB: Directs specific programs, including humanitarian aid and global disaster response efforts, a role she has held since 2017.
• Lead Disaster Relief Support Coordinator, HWB: Coordinates practical support for communities worldwide, focusing on preparation, response, and recovery from crises.
• Trustee, International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA): Contributes to the governance and strategic direction of a leading international aromatherapy organization.
• President, Lilium Initiative: Fosters collaboration between traditional healers and modern practitioners to promote integrative care models.
• Editor, Without Borders Magazine: Amplifies stories of resilience, healing, and mutual aid from communities around the world.

Professional Certifications and Training

Denise Cusack‘s qualifications are rooted in specialized training in traditional and complementary modalities. Her credentials provide her with the foundational knowledge to develop and implement effective, integrative wellness programs. This expertise is central to her ability to guide humanitarian efforts that incorporate herbal medicine and aromatherapy safely and effectively.

These qualifications underscore her commitment to professional standards and the integration of plant-based therapies into community health and crisis response. Consequently, her background enables her to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and the practical demands of modern aid work.

• Clinical Herbalist: This qualification indicates comprehensive training in the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes within a clinical context.
• Certified Aromatherapist: This certification signifies expertise in the safe and effective application of essential oils for health and wellness, including in trauma-informed and crisis-response settings.
• MIFPA: Member of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists, indicating adherence to the professional and ethical standards of this governing body.

Editorial Work and Knowledge Dissemination of Denise Cusack

While not focused on traditional academic research, Denise Cusack plays a vital role in knowledge dissemination as the Editor of Without Borders Magazine. This publication serves as a platform to highlight global stories of resilience, healing, and mutual aid. It provides a voice for practitioners who bring holistic and accessible healthcare to underserved communities, thereby contributing to a global repository of practical knowledge and case studies.

The magazine’s content directly supports the congress motto of “Knowledge Diversity” by documenting and sharing diverse approaches to community wellness. Through this editorial leadership, Denise Cusack helps build a narrative that champions integrative care, ecological stewardship, and the importance of community-led health initiatives. Her work ensures that valuable on-the-ground experiences are shared widely, informing and inspiring others in the field.

Leadership and Governance

Denise Cusack actively contributes to the governance and strategic direction of several key organizations in the field of traditional and integrative medicine. Her involvement in these boards and committees reflects a commitment to advancing professional standards, fostering collaboration, and amplifying the impact of community-based healthcare on a global scale. These leadership roles are instrumental in shaping the future of integrative practices.

Her participation ensures that the principles of accessibility, sustainability, and mutual aid are embedded in the policies and initiatives of these influential bodies. Consequently, her work helps strengthen the institutional foundations of herbalism and aromatherapy worldwide.

• Herbalists Without Borders (HWB): As Executive Director, she holds ultimate responsibility for the organization’s governance and strategic vision, guiding its mission to provide compassionate care globally.
• International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA): In her role as a Trustee, she helps uphold the professional standards and advance the practice of aromatherapy internationally.
• Lilium Initiative: As President, she leads an organization dedicated to creating collaborative bridges between traditional healers and modern healthcare practitioners, promoting a more integrated vision of wellness.